(CBS-DETROIT) — It’s the last weekend for early in-person voting for the general election.
More than 879,000 Michigan voters had cast their ballots in person as of Saturday afternoon, according to the state’s voting dashboard.
There has been a steady long line of early voters at the Troy Community Center since in-person voting began.
“It’s been busier than we expected, which is great. We’re averaging about 1,000 voters a day,” said Troy City Clerk Aileen Dickson.
Many choose to vote early to avoid the long lines on Election Day.
“Both parties are very motivated this year, so I thought the lines might be a little longer on Election Day, so I just wanted to get out there ahead of time and get my vote in,” said Kyle Thelen, an early voter.
Others were in the right place at the right time.
“I was here for the practice class, but I wanted to take advantage of early voting to avoid the possible long lines on Tuesday,” said Nancy Shimel of Troy.
Wait times ranged from 45 minutes to two hours.
“We came on Monday, we came yesterday, and the lines were super long, so we thought we’d just come today if we had time,” Susan Thelen said.
Clerks say if your goal is to vote in person, be ready to wait.
“Make a plan, prepare for a line if there is one. Bring your book or your coffee or whatever,” Dickson said.
Early voters say it’s important for their voices to be heard.
“There are so many issues that especially affect women and their right to control their own bodies, and that is something that is very important to me,” Thelen said.
It was worth it for these voters to stand in line over the weekend to vote.
“I think it’s important to contribute to what’s happening in our government. You have a say and if you don’t express your opinion, someone will decide for you,” said Danielle Kassab, one of the first voters.
Sunday is the last day of early in-person voting in Michigan.
